| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 15g | 7g | 82g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 42g | 3g | 6g | 0.3g |
I’ve always been a lover of trying new things in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavours and ingredients to create dishes that represent my mixed culinary heritage. One recipe that effortlessly combines the comfort of American treats with the subtle sweetness of my Indian background is the Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread. Boy, does my kitchen smell like heaven when I’m baking it!
A Sweet Blend of Cultures
The beauty of this bread – beyond its luscious, tempting look – lays in the fact that it encapsulates my love for multicultural gastronomy. Just imagine, ripe, mellow bananas crossed with the warming charm of cinnamon, creating a fusion of Western and Eastern flavours in one bite. Every piece carries a piece of my family’s eclectic story and, dare I say, a taste of home away from home.
Health Benefits Packed in Every Bite
And while we’re savouring every bite, should we mention how rich in vitamins and fibre bananas are, or how cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties? It’s the ideal blend of indulgent and nutritious. Whether it’s a power snack to recharge during the workday or a more leisure morning treat, this banana bread recipe guarantees a wholesome experience.
Engaging in the delightful ritual of baking, the Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread bears a striking resemblance to the popular Apple Cinnamon Bread. However, substituting apples with bananas adds a unique texture and sweetness that elevates this treat to a whole new level.
Moreover, this recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Think a warm serving of the banana bread alongside a piping hot cup of homemade Chai for a perfectly balanced breakfast, or as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Adventurous, vibrant and reflecting the bountiful nature of blending cultures through food, the Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread marks a unique twist on traditional bread baking. Get your oven heated, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (around 3-4 ripe bananas)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
Step Three
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until it’s well mixed.
Step Four
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Step Five
Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the butter and sugar mixture until evenly distributed.
Step Six
Alternately add the flour and buttermilk to the butter and sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, and mixing until just combined after each addition.
Step Seven
Add the banana and vanilla mixture to the batter, stirring to combine.
Step Eight
Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing together the ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Step Nine
Layer half of the banana bread batter in the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
Step Ten
Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Bake the loaf for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Eleven
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
